Upper Iowa River IA 01-UIA-245

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of an IDNR stream use assessment in September 1995.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(WW) aquatic life uses remain assessed (evaluated) as "fully supported" based on results of biological monitoring conducted in 1995 as part of a stream use assessment.     Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this river segment.

EXPLANATION:  Continue to use the assessment developed for the 1998 report that was based on results of the 1995 IDNR stream use assessment.   As stated in the 1998 assessment, the assessment of "fully supported" was based on  "(1) presence of a very diverse fish community for Class B(WW) streams in the Iowan Surface subecoregion (47c), (2) presence of nearly all the expected fish taxa (9 of 11) for streams in this subregion, (3) presence of the expected game fish species (smallmouth bass), with both adults and juveniles present and (4) indications of above average habitat quality due to presence of diverse substrates and to lack of significant impacts to the physical characteristics of this stream reach."  However, because these data are now considered too old to accurately characterize current water quality conditions, the assessment category is changed from "monitored" (indicating an assessment with relatively high confidence) to "evaluated" (indicating an assessment with relatively low confidence).  

Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to the lack of fish contaminant monitoring in this stream segment.